Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety, South America, Racing

Dakar Rally organizers report a support vehicle and two taxis were involved in an accident on January 9. The support vehicle collided head-on with a taxi carrying six people, while the second taxi, carrying four people, overturned several times in an attempt to avoid the accident. Seven people were injured and are now being treated in a hospital in Tacna, Peru, including three occupants of the support vehicle. Tragically, the driver and one passenger in the first taxi died of injuries sustained in the crash. Three local ambulances, a fire engine and local police all responded to the scene.

Peruvian police have also supplied a helicopter to transport the seriously injured from Tacna to a hospital in Peru. Local law enforcement has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. You can read the brief press release from the Dakar Rally below for more information.

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Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle

There's just no getting around the fact that, despite technological advances and a host of regulations aimed at improving safety, organized racing is a dangerous occupation. We saw it last year with the deaths of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli - pushing the limits on either two or four wheels is sometimes life threatening.

The Dakar Rally is one of the most dangerous races of all, with more than 58 deaths - 25 competitors plus at least 33 spectators, though official spectator fatalities aren't kept - recorded in 31 races since 1979. Though the 2012 edition has only just begun, it has already suffered its first fatality.

Argentinian rider Jorge Martínez Boero, age 38, died on the very first stage of the 15-day race of cardiac arrest while being transported to a hospital. Boero suffered head and chest injuries after crashing his motorcycle. This was his second Dakar Rally.

A demonstration of how quickly things can go bad can be seen in the video after the break. Quin Cody, a racer for the Factory Honda team, crashed out of the event on January 3, suffering a concussion and broken collarbone. Thankfully, some other competitors stopped for assistance, and Cody ought to make a full recovery.

Continue reading Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes

Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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